Giving new life to old clothes – making them last just that bit longer – either old faves or new clothes too good to give up on – here are some super creative mending ideas to stretch out the life of your clothing.

If you have ever wanted to sew women’s clothes, but are scared of taking the step, or don’t know where to start, then you might want to have a look at Sew Serendipity. Kay Whitt is a pattern designer, and has put together this clearly written, well photographed and illustrated book to help people get started in sewing women’s clothing, and to have the clothes look good and fit well.

The introduction is all about fit and sewing techniques, giving a new sewer the information needed to take measurements, sew a muslin and adjust the fit, as well as nifty sewing techniques like sewing in an invisible zipper, adding facings and making gathers.

The chapters are instructions for sewing skirts, tunics and dresses, and jackets. Each chapter starts with a clearly illustrated explanation of general construction of the garment, including very comprehensive step by step instructions on preparing, sewing and finishing the garments included in the chapter. Each of the 6 skirts, dresses and jackets have the same basic shape, but are slightly different, and each gives you the option to customise it to suit your taste in fabrics and your size and shape.

With an envelope of full sized patterns in the back, you will be cutting out, sewing up and enjoying your new clothes in no time.

Reviewed by: Kate is a busy mother of four with many craft projects on the go, including, but not limited to, crochet, knitting, sewing, dyeing, paper making, spinning, felting and bookbinding. Kate has challenges in the areas of finishing things, saying no and craft supplies storage. She also has a very very patient and tolerant husband.